What's Up Docs?
In this BBC Radio 4 podcast, Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are on a mission to help us take better care of ourselves. Although they are identical twins, Chris and Xand are very different and they never stop thinking and arguing about science and health. They want to lead healthy, happy lives and as doctors, they want this for everyone. Yet they tussle over how best to get there. When it comes to looking after our own health, it can be confusing. Medicine and science produce amazing new treatments and diagnostics every day and we are bombarded with so many headlines and pieces of advice; but how are we supposed to know what's really best for us and then successfully apply it to our lives? Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken embrace this challenge; even as they marvel at the scientific breakthroughs, they grapple with the competing claims about health, wellbeing and how to live. From understanding testosterone therapies to microplastics in our diets, and the concept of 'hangriness' to the power of saying no - this podcast deals with the health stresses we all face every day, while taking on board how the decisions by corporations and governments affect all our health. Each episode, Chris and Xand are joined by an expert guest to examine the latest research, psychological insights, and data, to help listeners navigate the overwhelming amount of information and advice out there. They talk about the trials and tribulations in their own lives in their characteristically witty way - each teasing the other as they search for solutions. Xand has trouble sleeping , Chris has noisy knees, one of them has got an embarrassing itch. They have different ways of looking at things and find it really helpful to get the other one's point of view. These doctors are trying their best and encouraging listeners to do the same. Email: [email protected] Whatsapp: 08000 665123 A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
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Recent Episodes
Doctors' Notes: Hydration
Aug 04, 2026Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about hydration with Dr John Whittle, a consultant in anaesthesia, critical care and perioperative medicine at University College Hospitals ...
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Dr Chris and Dr Xand Van Tulleken speak with Dr John Whittle, a consultant in anaesthesia and critical care at University College Hospital, about the complexities of hydration in special circumstances. While most healthy people can simply trust their thirst, the conversation explores when professional intervention becomes crucial - from endurance athletes who need physiological calculations to hospital patients whose bodies can't self-regulate, and elderly individuals whose natural thirst mechanisms decline. The discussion emphasizes that while our evolved hydration systems work remarkably well for daily life, extreme conditions, illness, age, and medical interventions all require more careful fluid management.
- Endurance Athletes and Hydration Science
- The Hospital Hydration Dilemma
How hydrated should you really be?
Aug 04, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode they’re exploring hydration. ...
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Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand explore the science of hydration with Dr. John Whittle, an anesthesiologist and critical care expert. They debunk common myths about water intake, explain how the body naturally regulates fluid balance, and clarify when electrolytes are actually necessary. The key message: trust your thirst for most situations, as chronic overhydration offers no proven health benefits for most people.
- How the Body Regulates Water and Why We Need It
- Thirst Is Your Best Guide - It's Not Too Late
Doctors' Notes: Bad Advice
Jul 28, 2026Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professor Sunita Sah about why humans follow advice they suspect, or even know, is bad. They explore what first drew Sunita to this area o...
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Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand Van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professor Sunita Sarr, diving deeper into why people follow bad advice even when they know it's wrong. This episode explores who is most vulnerable to insinuation anxiety, when we're at highest risk, and practical strategies to avoid falling into these traps. Sunita shares fascinating research about gender differences in susceptibility, the importance of the decision-making process over outcomes, and her personal experiences navigating medical advice as both a doctor and patient.
- How Sunita Came to Study Bad Advice
- Who Is Most Vulnerable to Insinuation Anxiety
Why do we follow bad advice?
Jul 28, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they discuss a behaviour alm...
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Doctors Chris and Zand explore why people follow bad advice even when they know it's wrong, particularly in healthcare settings. They interview Professor Sunita Sarr, an organizational psychologist from Cornell University, who discusses the psychological mechanisms behind compliance with bad advice, including insinuation anxiety, the role of confidence and attractiveness, and why warnings about conflicts of interest can paradoxically increase compliance rates.
- The Nature of Bad Advice
- Who We Take Bad Advice From
Doctors' Notes: Eyes
Jul 21, 2026Chris and Xand continue their conversation about eyes with Mr Raj Das-Bhaumik. The doctors want to know what particular things we should be doing to look after our eyes in the summer, including how t...
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In this Doctor's Notes episode, consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon Mr. Raj Dasbomik discusses his unique specialty combining eye surgery with plastic surgery, summer eye safety, and the surprising connection between art and ophthalmology. He covers everything from sunglasses myths to eye trauma first aid, screen time effects, and his work reconstructing faces after cosmetic surgery complications. The conversation reveals fascinating insights about eye health, including why cheap sunglasses work just as well as expensive ones and how our blink rate dramatically decreases when using screens.
- Journey into Oculoplastic Surgery and the Arts
- Summer Eye Safety and Sunglasses
How can you look after your eyes?
Jul 21, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where identical twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In this episode, Chris and ...
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Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore eye health with consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Raj Dasbomik from Moorfields Eye Hospital. They discuss why regular eye tests are crucial (not just for vision, but for detecting serious conditions), what happens during an eye exam, warning signs never to ignore, and debunk common myths about eye exercises and glasses. The episode emphasizes that 50% of sight loss is avoidable with proper eye care.
- Why Eye Tests Matter Beyond Vision
- What Actually Happens During an Eye Test
Doctors' Notes: AI Medicine
Jul 14, 2026Chris and Xand continue their conversation about AI medicine with Dr Emma Karoune. The docs explore how AI has been used in cutting edge medical research, such as to create digital models of the hear...
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Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand speak with Dr. Emma Caroon from the Alan Turing Institute about artificial intelligence in medicine. The conversation explores the difference between supervised machine learning (like medical imaging analysis) and generative AI chatbots, current applications in clinical settings, and the potential future of AI-assisted healthcare. Emma shares insights from her work on COVID diagnostics, discusses the promise and limitations of medical AI, and addresses concerns about regulation, data quality, and the societal implications of this rapidly evolving technology.
- Emma's Journey from Archaeology to AI Research
- AI Breakthroughs in Medical Research and Drug Discovery
What can AI medicine do for you?
Jul 14, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where identical twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. Can AI empower better self-...
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Dr. Zand and Dr. Chris explore the opportunities and risks of using AI chatbots for medical advice. With expert Dr. Emma Caroon from the Alan Turing Institute, they examine how these large language models work, their limitations including hallucinations and lack of regulation, and establish guidelines for safe use. The episode emphasizes treating AI as a powerful tool requiring the same scrutiny as medical devices, not as a replacement for healthcare professionals.
- Introduction to AI in Healthcare
- What Are AI Chatbots and How Do They Work
In this extended episode of What's Up Docs?, Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professor Robin Condliffe. Together, they explore how our understanding of the lungs has evol...
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Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand recorded a special live episode of What's Up Docs at Sheffield's Crossed Wires Festival, exploring the remarkable yet underappreciated lungs with Professor Robin Condliff. The discussion spans the fascinating history of lung science, the mechanics of breathing, major lung diseases, and the critical impact of air quality on respiratory health, emphasizing that lung health is not just a medical issue but one of politics, economics, environment, and social justice.
- The Fascinating History of Lung Science
- The Remarkable Anatomy and Function of Lungs
How can we look after our amazing lungs?
Jul 07, 2026Welcome to What's Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, recorded live at Crossed Wir...
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Dr Chris and Dr Zand explore lung health at Sheffield's Crossed Wires Festival with respiratory physician Professor Robin Kondyleff. They discuss how lungs work, common lung diseases, air pollution's impact, and the socioeconomic factors affecting respiratory health. The conversation emphasizes that lungs represent the body's largest interface with the external world, making them both magnificent and deliberately fragile organs requiring environmental protection beyond individual responsibility.
- The Remarkable Architecture of the Lungs
- Major Lung Diseases: The Big Four
Doctors’ Notes: Heart Palpitations
Jun 30, 2026Chris and Xand van Tulleken take a deeper dive into heart palpitations and the rise of wearable technology. With devices like smartwatches now able to detect irregular heart rhythms, more people are ...
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Dr. Zand and Dr. Chris interview cardiologist Pranav Sharma in this Doctor's Notes episode about palpitations and the rise of wearable heart monitoring technology. Pranav shares his personal journey with both heart health anxiety and fitness obsession, revealing how his own experience with palpitations led him to question the benefits of constant health monitoring. The conversation explores the complex relationship between wearable technology, screening for conditions like atrial fibrillation, and whether detecting more heart rhythm abnormalities actually improves health outcomes or creates unnecessary anxiety and intervention.
- Pranav's Journey to Cardiology
- The Genetics and Social Determinants of Heart Disease
What are your heart palpitations telling you?
Jun 30, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they turn their attention to...
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Dr. Zand and Dr. Chris explore palpitations - the sensation of feeling your heartbeat in your chest. Joined by consultant cardiologist Dr. Pranav Sharma, they explain what palpitations are, their common causes, when they're harmless versus concerning, and how they're treated. The discussion covers everything from normal heart function to specific arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, offering reassurance while emphasizing when to seek medical attention.
- Understanding Normal Heart Function and How to Check Your Pulse
- What Are Palpitations and Why Do We Experience Them?
Doctors’ Notes: Body Odour
Jun 23, 2026Chris and Xand continue their conversation about body odour with Matthew Cobb, Professor Emeritus of Zoology at the University of Manchester. They explore whether it’s possible to predict how someone...
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Doctors Chris and Xand Van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professor Matthew Cobb about the science of smell, exploring how our olfactory system works, how it compares to other animals, and the fascinating ways smell influences human behavior and evolution. They conduct a live experiment with pig pheromones, revealing the genetic variations in how different people perceive the same odor, and discuss Matthew's groundbreaking research on Neanderthal smell receptors.
- Deodorant Science and Safety
- The Magic and Importance of Smell
What does my body odour say about my health?
Jun 23, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they explore something that a...
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Dr. Chris and Dr. Zandi explore the fascinating science of body odour, from its biological origins to its cultural significance. They're joined by Professor Matthew Cobb, who explains why humans smell the way they do, debunks myths about pheromones and attraction, and reveals how smell can be an early indicator of diseases like Parkinson's. The conversation covers everything from why teenagers suddenly develop BO to whether deodorants are masking important biological signals, ultimately reassuring listeners that managing body odour is a natural part of human culture, not a departure from it.
- The Biology and Chemistry of Body Odour
- The Myth of Human Pheromones and Attraction
This extended episode of What's Up Docs? features Chris and Xand van Tulleken's full live conversation with Professor Devi Sridhar at Hay Festival. Going deeper than the main episode, they explore th...
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Recorded live at the Hay Festival, this episode explores the tension between personal responsibility for health and the structural factors that shape our wellbeing. Dr. Chris and Dr. Zandi are joined by Professor Devi Sridhar to examine whether longevity is primarily about individual choices or the environments we live in. They discuss how factors like exercise, diet, and mental health are heavily influenced by policy, infrastructure, and commercial interests, arguing that while personal agency matters, creating healthier societies requires systemic change rather than just individual willpower.
- The Ancient Quest for Longevity
- The 80% Personal Responsibility Myth
How to Live Healthier for Longer
Jun 16, 2026Welcome to What's Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, recorded live at Hay Festiva...
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Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand, recorded live at the Hay Festival, explore the complex tension between personal responsibility and societal factors in health and longevity. Joined by Professor Devi Sridhar, they examine how much control we actually have over our health outcomes, challenging the common narrative that 80% of our health is our individual responsibility. The conversation moves through exercise, nutrition, economics, and policy to reveal how our environments shape our choices more than we might think.
- The Ancient Quest for Longevity
- Personal Responsibility vs. Systemic Factors
Doctors' Notes: Friendship
Jun 09, 2026Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about friendship with Dr Tiffany Watt Smith, writer and culture historian. Tiffany became interested in researching friendships after a moment ...
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In this Doctor's Notes episode following their main discussion on friendship, Drs. Chris and Xand van Tulleken speak with historian Tiffany Watt Smith about how friendship has evolved throughout history, particularly examining gender differences, the friendship recession, and how digital technology has transformed modern connections.
- The Historical Flip in Male vs. Female Friendships
- Male Friendship Nostalgia and Battlefield Bonds
Are friends good for your health?
Jun 09, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where identical twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In this episode, the Docs t...
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Chris and Zandi explore the power of friendship with cultural historian Tiffany Watt Smith, examining different types of friendships, their health benefits, and practical ways to maintain meaningful connections. The discussion challenges Hollywood's idealized version of friendship, revealing that transient friendships and friendships of convenience are just as valid and valuable as lifelong bonds.
- The Different Types of Friendship
- The Health Benefits of Friendship
Doctors' Notes: Male Contraception
Jun 02, 2026Chris and Xand van Tulleken take a deeper dive into male contraception with Professor Richard Anderson. They explore why, despite decades of research, new male contraceptive options are still limited...
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Professor Richard Anderson discusses the current state and future potential of male contraception, exploring why development has been slow despite being tantalizingly close to success, the challenges of funding and commercialization, and the transformative potential these methods could have for couples worldwide. The conversation covers public attitudes, clinical trials, and what's needed to finally bring these products to market.
- Richard Anderson's Journey into Reproductive Health Research
- The Funding Crisis: Why Investment Has Lagged
Is a male contraceptive pill closer than you think?
Jun 02, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they turn their attention to...
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Dr Chris and Dr Zand explore male contraception with Professor Richard Anderson, examining current options like condoms and vasectomies, the science behind hormonal male contraceptives, and why a male pill hasn't reached the market despite decades of research. The conversation reveals that effective hormonal methods exist but face commercial rather than scientific barriers.
- Current Male Contraceptive Options
- Male vs Female Fertility: A Fundamental Difference